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Navigating the AI Wave in Event Technology

In this episode of The Marketing AI SparkCast, host Aby Varma and Cvent's Director of Product Management Michael Sorensen explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping large-scale event planning. They discuss AI-driven personalization for attendees, efficiency gains for event planners, and the challenges around data security and ethical AI adoption. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of virtual events powered by AI.

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By Aby Varma · Artificial Intelligence (ai)CventEvent PlanningEvent Technology
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Key takeaways

01

AI is enabling event planners to streamline content generation and complex reporting, significantly improving operational efficiency.

02

Attendees benefit from AI-curated personalization in content, navigation, and networking recommendations at large-scale events.

03

Key barriers to AI adoption in event technology include data security concerns and the ethical use of personal attendee information.

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In this episode of The Marketing AI SparkCast, Aby Varma, host, and founder of Spark Novus, discusses how AI is transforming the event planning industry. Joined by Michael Sorensen, Director of Product Management at Cvent, the conversation delves into how AI enhances both attendee experiences and event planner efficiencies in managing large-scale events.

Topics Covered:

  • AI in Event Tech: How AI personalizes experiences for both attendees and planners.
  • Planner Efficiencies: AI helps streamline content generation and complex reporting for event planners.
  • AI's Role in Event Personalization: Ways AI curates content, improves navigation, and helps attendees maximize event value.
  • AI-Driven Networking: How AI tools could enhance attendee networking by analyzing personal data.
  • Challenges in AI Adoption: Barriers to adopting AI in event tech, such as ensuring security and ethical use of personal data.
  • Future of Virtual Events: How AI will help virtual events deliver personalized and engaging experiences over time.

Michael Sorensen is the Director of Product Management at Cvent, a leading cloud-based event management platform. With over 20 years in the event tech industry, he has worked in various roles, from technical sales to product management, shaping the future of AI in events. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljsorensen/.

Aby Varma is the founder of Spark Novus, which specializes in driving marketing transformation through AI adoption and AI-infused marketing services. As an experienced marketing executive, Aby helps businesses transform their marketing with AI-driven strategies. Connect with Aby on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abyvarma.

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About the author

Aby Varma
Aby VarmaAI-in-Marketing Futurist

Host of The Marketing AI SparkCast. AI Optimist and Futurist. Global B2B Marketing Leader. Aby Varma is a transformative CMO with extensive experience in driving growth and positive business outcomes through innovative B2B marketing strategies, recognized for blending compelling narratives with digital creativity to enhance brand engagement, lead generation, and customer loyalty. Varma excels in fostering cross-functional collaboration between marketing, sales, and product teams, enhancing efficiency and revenue operations. His leadership has been pivotal in guiding high-performing teams and navigating complex, multinational corporate environments, resulting in global market expansion and optimized strategies. As an exceptional executive communicator, Varma effectively influences stakeholders and secures buy-ins for key initiatives, underlined by his adaptability and dedication to positive business results. He has been influential in the Forbes Communications Council since July 2022, sharing insights on marketing and digital. At Hexagon AB, Varma held roles including Senior Vice President of Marketing and Executive Director of Marketing, Go-To-Market & Digital Strategy, showcasing skills in lead generation, sales enablement, and AI. His earlier tenure at Intergraph Corporation as Global Marketing Director, Digital, further highlights his expertise in B2B marketing. Varma's academic credentials include an MBA in Marketing & Management Information Systems from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Masters in International Business from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. His extensive background and forward-thinking approach position him as a key figure in the evolving landscape of marketing and AI.

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About the Experts

Aby Varma
Aby Varma

Founder, Spark Novus | Host, The Marketing AI SparkCast

Aby Varma is the founder of Spark Novus, a firm specializing in marketing transformation through AI adoption and AI-infused marketing services. He is an experienced B2B marketing executive who helps businesses develop and execute AI-driven marketing strategies. He also hosts The Marketing AI SparkCast, a podcast exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and marketing.

MS
Michael Sorensen

Director of Product Management

Cvent

Michael Sorensen is the Director of Product Management at Cvent, a leading cloud-based event management platform. With over 20 years in the event technology industry, he has held roles spanning technical sales and product management, and has been instrumental in shaping Cvent's AI strategy for events.

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